President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilda to the capital, Pretoria.
Ramaphosa heaped praises on the European country for its assistance to Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The South African President emphasized the role played by Belgium in supporting the World Health Organization’s mRNA technology transfer hub initiative established in South Africa to improve Africa’s access to vaccines and therapeutics.
At a press briefing with the Belgian king on Thursday, March 23, 2023, Ramaphosa said, “I wish to express our appreciation to the kingdom of Belgium for its role in the global fight against COVID-19.”
“Belgium is an important donor to the vaccine alliance GAVI, for the operation of COVAX, the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access initiative.”
Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa added that Belgium had donated about 10 million doses of vaccines during the pandemic, with a significant proportion going to African countries in need of vaccines.
Ramaphosa hailed the collaboration between South Africa’s Afrigen Biologics firm and Belgium’s Univercells Group to develop a novel mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and to improve preparedness for future health emergencies.
The effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine were also to be discussed between the two leaders, with Ramaphosa emphasizing that South Africa supports a peaceful solution to the war. South Africa has not publicly criticized Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Ramaphosa said ahead of meeting privately with King Philippe that “We look forward to sharing our perspectives on the conflict during our meeting, and to learn more about Belgium’s stance.”
“It is also important to consider the impact of the conflict on the international economy, especially with regards to global food and energy security.”
Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa’s Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya announced that the visit; the first to South Africa by the Belgian monarch, was a demonstration of the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
“The state visit will serve to expand and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and revitalise economic relations with a focus on trade, foreign direct investment, and tourism.”
Vincent Magwenya
Magwenya disclosed that South Africa and Belgium are also pursuing co-operation in renewable energy and, in particular, green hydrogen. He added that Belgium is one of South Africa’s most important economic partners and many of South Africa’s exports enter Europe through the Port of Antwerp, which is the second largest in the European Union.
Magwenya remarked that South Africa enjoys “a healthy trade surplus” with Belgium, with organic chemicals as the key export, followed closely by diamonds and motor vehicles.
Belgian Foreign Minister Urges South Africa To Help Bring Peace
Belgian Foreign Minister, Hadja Lahbib disclosed that Belgium understands South Africa’s stance on the war in Ukraine and urged South Africa to use its “channels of communications to advance on a path toward peace.”
“I think this is the major foreign policy issue for Europe and it will likely remain so, I’m afraid, for the next months. We are fully committed to help Ukraine defend itself. We see this as essential to defend European security but also the U.N. Charter’s principle.”
Hadja Lahbib
“We have always looked up to South Africa as a key partner for peace and the defence of human rights and basic international principles,” the Belgian Foreign Minister added.
King Philippe’s delegation comprises political, economic and academic leadership including Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib, as well as the ministers-president and representatives of the five regions of Belgium
The Belgian Monarchs are expected to engage with South Africa’s business, academic and civil society in Johannesburg and Cape Town over the next few days and visit historical and cultural sites.
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